Saranac Lake

The first settlers came to Saranac Lake beginning in 1819 to make a living from the forests of the Adirondacks. In the 1870s wealthy city dwellers discovered the hunting fishing boating and hiking available in these beautiful mountains and Saranac Lake became the hub for local tourism. By 1900 Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau had established the fresh-air cure for tuberculosis and Saranac Lake became Americas Pioneer Health Resort. A culture of excellent medical facilities an active arts scene and a great library and educational system combined with traditional Adirondack values to make Saranac Lake the Little City of the Adirondacks a special place to everyone who got to know it. Later in the 20th century the focus shifted from health to scientific research education state government offices and the more middle class tourist industry of the post-World War II era. This designated All-America City has retained that special character.